Queen Charlotte islands without an organised tour?

Hi

I wonder if anyone would have some advice about the Queen Charlotte Islands?

I'm arriving in Vancouver on 25th August and if I do go to the Queen Charlotte's I'd have to get the train from Prince Rupert on 2nd September (meaning I would need to get the ferry to Prince Rupert on the evening of Friday the 31st). Having looked around at tours available, none of them seem to work for these dates so I was wondering whether it's a good idea to show up and try to do a few days on the islands independently? It seems that they're kind of hard to get around and I'd be keen to do some kayaking and wildlife spotting.

The original itinerary was to do the ferry up the inside passage, then the islands and then the train but I can't fit it all in. Is it silly to get the ferry up to Prince Rupert, hang out there for a bit then get the train down to Jasper without seeing the islands? Both of those trips do seem pretty cool. To maximise time on the Queen Charlotte Islands I presume I could fly up from Vancouver?

Any advice appreciated.

Maps

HI!

You should be able to rent a car, grab a map and then see the Islands by yourself. The locals are generally very helpful and can advice you on special places to visit. I would say you could do it by yourself without a tour or pick up a local to be your guide.

The inside passage would be really beautiful but it takes a lot of time. You could fly into QC City and that would save you time. You can then have several days on the Islands and get a ferry over to Prince Rupert.

Anyway, watch out for the many deer on the highway in the QCI. They are numerous.

Have fun!!

hi.

its is possible to see Haidi Gwaii independently (at least the north island is not too difficult). Tlell campground (misty meadows) is a great place to hang out if the weather is good. also, the provincial campgrounds do not technically open (and hence do not collect fees) until may, so you can pitch a tent there for free (at least this was the case a few years ago). just bring toilet paper, as there is no ranger service in the parks, so no one will replenish the depleted supply.

in charlotte city there is a hostel out the back of one of the hotels (can't recall the name but it is obvious once you are there). it is really good if the weather is bad, as they have a wood burning stove and a kitchen area - also ducks and chickens in the yard!

good luck

Fly to Sandspit, rent a car and Go!

I advise making a reservation for a car though-it is high season.

You'll need to hire a boat to tour the marine rich environment that surrounds QCI-if you don't you'll miss 80% of what the place is about.

(note the previous info about flying to Charlotte City is wrong)

Also-most of the Inside Passage through BC isn't all that exciting-mile after mile after mile after mile of bare rocks, small broken trees and-you guessed it-more bare rock and small broken trees.

The train trip is also somewhat underwhelming-especially from Prince George to Jasper.

Flying to Sandspit makes the most sense, given limited time. Bus tours of the Islands only make sense if you're rich and senile. Graham Island and northern Moresby Island are accessible by car and allow camping, hiking and fishing opportunities for the individual traveller, while National Park Experience will requie a guided tour for the casual fly-in visitor. Check out www.qcislands.net , and look at the "Membes" pages, under "business" for tour guides. Try www.smair.com for flightseeing tours, or www.moresbyexplorers.com for kayak rentals and zodiac tours in the unroaded areas.

That's some great advice, thank you so much.

Sounds like it would be worth doing although the feedback on the ferry and train journeys is interesting. We're also considering a different itinerary involving Vancouver Island instead of the Queen Charlottes (kayaking tour in the broken group islands) and then driving up to Jasper/Banff area and down to Penticton in time for a wedding on 8th September, then back through wineries and deserts to Vancouver! It's starting to sound like that would be easier and also cheaper than doing the original ferry, QCI, train route.

Thanks again all.

The Brokens are quite lovely but you won't have them to yourself.

Overall the second plan will be more satisfying IMO.